Lonicera involucrata, May 31, 2022
L. involucrata, Halfmoon Lakes trail, 10,600’ June 18, 2022
Common & scientific name
Twinberry, Lonicera involucrata
Family
Honeysuckle, Caprifoliaceae
Location
Difficult Campground, 8,100’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
From the USDA’s Plant Fact Sheet: “Reports on the fruit vary from poisonous, to mildly toxic, to bitter and unpalatable, to edible and useful as food, depending on tribe, region or publication.” Got it? In any event, its twin berries are eaten by bears, small mammals, quail, grouse, and songbirds such as thrushes. So be safe and leave it be!
L. involucrata in fruit, Weller Lake, 9,600’, July 20, 2022